Gender-Affirming Care for Cisgender People

Theodore E. Schall, Jacob D. Moses

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Gender-affirming care is almost exclusively discussed in connection with transgender medicine. However, this article argues that such care predominates among cisgender patients, people whose gender identity matches their sex assigned at birth. To advance this argument, we trace historical shifts in transgender medicine since the 1950s to identify central components of “gender-affirming care” that distinguish it from previous therapeutic models, such as “sex reassignment.” Next, we sketch two historical cases—reconstructive mammoplasty and testicular implants—to show how cisgender patients offered justifications grounded in authenticity and gender affirmation that closely mirror rationales supporting gender-affirming care for transgender people. The comparison exposes significant disparities in contemporary health policy regarding care for cis and trans patients. We consider two possible objections to the analogy we draw, but ultimately argue that these disparities are rooted in “trans exceptionalism” that produces demonstrable harm.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)15-24
Number of pages10
JournalHastings Center Report
Volume53
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - May 1 2023

Keywords

  • LGBTQ+ health policy
  • bioethics
  • gender-affirming care
  • history of medicine
  • transgender

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health(social science)
  • Issues, ethics and legal aspects
  • Philosophy
  • Health Policy

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Gender-Affirming Care for Cisgender People'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this